There is some good news for condo and town homeowners who could face the wrath of their homeowner association for having ugly lawns.Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that makes it illegal for homeowner associations to fine members who stop watering their landscaping during this drought.VIDEO: New lawn law in California"I know it looks bad but we have no choice,” said Ed Lo, who lives in the Heather Terrace neighborhood of Aptos.Lo’s house is surrounded by brown lawns, and he feels guilty when he turns on his garden hose."I did two nights ago. I sprayed a little bit. I think it overflowed onto the cement area. I felt bad. I stopped right away," Lo said.Lo and his neighbors are doing exactly what Gov. Brown wants.Legislation signed this week encourages maintaining brown rather than green lawns as the state faces extreme drought conditions.Al De Camera manages several properties in Santa Cruz County and told homeowners they don’t have to use water to keep their homes well groomed."Individual owners are required to maintain their separate landscaping but that doesn't mean that you have to water. You need to keep it free from weeds, debris, etc."

APTOS, Calif. —

There is some good news for condo and town homeowners who could face the wrath of their homeowner association for having ugly lawns.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that makes it illegal for homeowner associations to fine members who stop watering their landscaping during this drought.